The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-05-08
BUCKSHOT FOB BUDGETT.
TRAGIC DEATH OF A TIPrON
COUNTY FARMER.
Riddled With Ballots by Two Neigh.
bOrs Whom He Had SeriOns-
~ Threatened.
SEQUEL TO A REPUTATION
GAINED In THE SIXTIES.
An Abused Wife the Original and
Immediate Cause.-The Stay
ers Surrender.

Particu' ars OF q blooming tragedy,
near Kerrville, in Upton county,
reached the city yesterday. Its origin
dates back 10 the conscript and guer-
rilla days OF 80. The unfortunate vic
tim OF the ancient but carefully pre-
served reputation was farmer named
Port Budget, and his slsyers two
neighbors, Charles Wilson and How
ard Smith. All parties were white, OF
high standing, and the killing occur
red Friday afternoon, shortly after !
o'clock. Going back to bottom facts,
the particulars are 90 follows:
In 1859, Budgett killed lis brother
in-law, young man Is years OF age,
under the most cowardly circum-
stances. The two had not been on
terms OF the most intimate friendship
for some time. Budget was a desper-
ate character, afraid of neither man
nor devil, and when in his CUBS forgot
the duties ard CD iYali. rs # hus-
band ofr a, TO make his devoted
vile the victim OF his brutality. The
entire neighborhood feared his ven
geance and III will and consequently
none dared take the lead in Kidding
the vicinity OF his Objectionable pres-
ence.
Moved to desperation by continued
abuse OF his sister. Budgetts brother
in-lsw finally planned what he consid-
cred ssfs and sure method OF revenge.
It was to kill the desperate while he
slept, habit universally indnlged
about midday in bis field. For this
purpose he lay in wait for him one
day, and at a favorable opportunity he
approached TIE slumberer and dealt
him a terrific blow on the head with
a hoe. After leaving his victim, as hs
supposed, in dying condition, the
young avenger returned home. AS
safeguard, however, he and his sister
closed and bsrricaded every entrance
10 the house. The wisdom OF this pre-
caution became manifest short time
after, when Budget appeared, armed
with shotgun, which he invariably
carried. Ii seems he was only
temporarily stunned by tie blow,
a. the aim OF the assailant
had been inaccurate. Angry and ex-
cited, the desperate demanded that
the young man come out and swallow
his medicine. OF course he respect
fully but firmly declined, as he knew
the dose would be fatal. Bafflsd in
this direction, Budget resorted to
cunning persuasion. His tone changed
entirely, and the young man was as
sured that II he came out like a man
no harm would befsll him. Deceived,
he unfastened the door and boldly
stepped into view. As he did 80, the
villain leveled his weapon and poured
the contents Of both barrels into his
body.
For this crime he was arrested, tried
and sentenced to fourteen years in the
penitentiary. While serving his term
the murderer professed religion and
gave every evidence OF sincerely and
complete reformation. For exemplary
conduct, Gov. Brown psrdoned him al
the expiration OF seven yesrs, this be.
ing one OF his last official acts. Budget
returned home, settled do n To
business, and soon amassed money
enough to purchase farm about
seven miles from the scene o!
supposed bitter recollections, and
about five miles northwest OF Kerr
Vile, where he met his tragic fate
Until within few months past his be-
havior hes bsen such that the former
fee ing OF dr. al among his neighborE
had become almost entirely eradicated
From daring and unscrupulCus law
breaker he was transformed into a So
her, steady and mild hammered neigh
bor and friend.
Lately, however, the old failing re-
turned with rsnewed energy, and hil
faithful wife frequently bore the marks
Of his brutal violence, So intolerablt
did 1t become that his Oldest son ap
pealed to Wilson and Smith TO step II
between his mother and the crue
treatment by removing her to one o.
the other Of their homes. She joined
her son in this request, and, while
Budget wa absent, last n onday, tn,
abutel woman's effects were removed
to Mr.. Wilson's house, one mile dis
tant. This stirred every particle O
wrath in the deserted husband
breast into fury and he swor,
by everything In the univers,
that both Wilson and Smith shout,
die, II 1t was the last act of his life
This came to theears Of the threatene,
neighbors, and they were convinced
that he meant it. Tuesday, Wilson
became overpowere1 with dread an,
stopped blowing, expecting at ever,
~ Nla N,,, 40 eaAatxva oh
OF buckshot from BUDGETS gun. A
night they were afraid to ventur
from the house to attend to thei
, stock, and the safe cf alarm assume
horrible proportions.
Unable to endure tia euspens
longer, the two men concluded Frida
night to end it by getting the drop o
! Budget. With this end in view, the
armed themselves and took a stand o
the side OF the field opposite his hous'
Al noon he suspended blowing operI
tons at the end nearest home a1d al
dinner. After the meal he resume
!. work, but had made only one throug
when death stopped him. Just as Ii
I mule had been turned TO begin til
!, return, Wilson and Smith emerge
from their ambush, and al the intent
y ed victim passed them two loads ,
3 buckshot were fred at him. Both too
! effect, and Budget died instantly.
Ten minutes la'er another neighbC
named Crawson appeared at Budget
house to borrow pillow. He ha
heard the shooting, but supposed
: was only the usual sort about far
= houses. Seeing no one at home !
y called for Budget, but receiving n
u answer he went on q search to Il
field, where the mule and pillow coul
= be plainly seen. Arrived there Il
horrible truth dawned upon him,
!, Budeett's corpse, riddled with bulle
! and covered with blood, came I'M
L view. He gave the alarm as quick
as possible, and neighbors rapidly co
lscted and removed the body TO Il
house. Wilson and Smith voluntariI
surrendered to the authorities, waive
g examination before magistrate ar
q were sent to jail TO await trial.